Terence John Manuel was born in Boggabri on 22nd September, 1942, to Fred and Isobel Manuel.
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He had an older brother, Jimmy (deceased), and sister Nancy. The family lived in Baan Baa until 1950 when Fred was granted a Soldier Settler's block at Kings Plains. The family moved to the property "Kilkee" and soon welcomed another child, Michael.
Terry was schooled by correspondence until 4th class, he boarded at the Sacred Heart Convent in Inverell for 5th class and travelled into school each day by bus for 6th class and 1st year. He spent the remainder of his school years as a boarder at Woodlawn in Lismore before leaving in 1957.
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After finishing school, Terry worked on the family property while also share farming in the local area. He then joined the Monier Company where he operated the diamond drills used in drilling for tin. He tested the Copeton area for tin before the dam was filled and also did extensive drilling work around Stanthorpe and Deepwater.
Terry then relocated with Monier to Nowra, on the NSW South Coast, to construct the foundations for Nowra High School and later, in Canberra, he worked on the foundations for the Woden Motorway overpasses and the Australian Mint.
He also worked on the foundations for the Liddel Power Station before taking a position as a Machine Operator with the Department of Main Roads working between Moree and Boggabilla. He worked as a wheat grader, and then as an owner driver of tip trucks on local sapphire mines around Inverell.
Terry commenced employment with Macintyre Shire Council, which later became Inverell Shire Council in 1973. He spent the next 33 years working with Council as a loader operator and truck driver before retiring in 2006.
During his working life, Terry made many good lifelong mates, who not only enjoyed his company, but also had great respect for him, his fairness and his work ethic. It is often said that someone was a 'good bloke' after they've gone, but it was a huge compliment for the family to be told this about Terry by his work mates while he was still around.
Terry married Marjorie Turner is 1965 and they had 3 children, Joanne, Stephen and Sharon. Terry was a devoted husband, always showing great respect and care for Marj. He was a loving father, working hard to provide a stable loving home for his family.
Terry and Marj were also blessed with 6 granddaughters, Kody, Mia, Elly, Sally, Jemima and Molly, and just recently they welcomed their first great grandchild, little Emilia Isobel. Terry was very proud of his family and took great pleasure at family gatherings in just sitting back and taking it all in.
Terry always believed in giving back to his community and he spent many hours working for various organisations including St Vincent De Paul, Inverell East Bowling Club, the BMX Club and the Royal Football Club.
More recently, Terry was recognised for his 10 years of service to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, where he and Marj spent many weekends, often getting up at 3am in the middle of winter, to work on the fundraising barbecues.
Terry was very humbled to receive the news in December that he and Marj had been nominated for the Inverell Citizen of the Year Award. It was wonderful news to receive at a very difficult time for the family and Terry passed away just a few short weeks later. Marj and the family proudly accepted the award on Australia Day 2019 in a very emotional ceremony.
Terry was a man of faith, he loved his church and his God. He found solace and peace through his faith, especially towards the end. He was determined to celebrate Christmas with his family, his children and their partners, which he did. On Boxing day, he told his family he'd had a good time here but was ready to move on.
He passed away peacefully in his own home at 12.33am on Thursday 27th December with Marj, his children, brother and sister in law all there with him. Terry was farewelled by a large crowd of family and friends at the Sacred Heart Church in Inverell on 4th January, 2019.
His was a life well lived and well loved.
